Erodium malacoides, commonly known as Mediterranean stork’s bill, soft stork’s-bill, and oval heron’s bill, is an annual or biennial herb that is native to the Mediterranean Basin, including parts of Eurasia and North Africa. It typically forms low-growing rosettes that spread radially outward and can reach up to 40 centimeters in diameter. The ruffled, green leaves are deeply lobed, giving the plant a delicate, lacy appearance. From late winter to early spring, it produces small, showy flowers with five lavender to magenta petals and distinctive elongated fruit that resembles a stork’s bill.

This species thrives in disturbed sites, coastal areas, and open fields within its native range. It is valued for its ability to fill in bare spots in gardens and its drought tolerance once established. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it is not particularly demanding in terms of water, regular moisture will promote more vigorous growth and flowering. Erodium malacoides is often used in rock gardens, as a ground cover, or in containers for its attractive foliage and flowers. However, gardeners should be cautious as it can become invasive outside its native range, spreading readily by seed.CC BY-SA 4.0